The Straits Times - December 22, 2024
The Straits Times - December 22, 2024
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In this issue
December 22, 2024
Singapore watching four diseases as part of pandemic preparedness
Covid-19, bird flu and mpox among those on MOH's radar amid year-end travel season
3 mins
2 killed in Finland bus crash; tourists from Singapore among those injured
Several travellers from a Singapore tour group were slightly injured in Finland on Dec 19 when a coach they were travelling in collided with a minibus.
1 min
Germany in shock after Christmas market ramming attack kills 5 people
Authorities say suspect, a 50-year-old citizen of Saudi Arabia, had Islamophobic views
3 mins
'Torn from my side': Survivors recount horror and carnage
Shocked survivors recounted the moment a car attack on Dec 20 turned a glittering Christmas market in eastern Germany into a scene of death and carnage.
2 mins
US Congress Passes Bill to Avert Shutdown
Christmas Saved for Over 800,000 Govt Workers at Risk of Not Being Paid
2 mins
Republicans reject Trump's debt ceiling demand, showing limits of grip on party
Republican hardliners who normally are ardent supporters of President-elect Donald Trump are resisting his push to raise the US debt ceiling, sticking to their belief that government spending needs to be pruned and defying his warnings of revenge.
2 mins
Musk's post sparks criticism over meddling in upcoming German polls
A post from Mr Elon Musk on his platform X claiming that only the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party can \"save Germany\" sparked accusations on Dec 20 that he was seeking to interfere in the country's upcoming election.
3 mins
I feel like I'm finally a normal person'
Stateless man who is given S'pore PR gains sense of belonging and no longer feels 'alien'
5 mins
URA taps private sector for ideas to redevelop Sembawang Shipyard
Singapore's urban planning authority is tapping private sector planners and architects to design a future seafront district in Sembawang Shipyard, which will help to meet the country's land needs in the medium to long term.
3 mins
S. Korean Speaker emerges as people's hero over leadership
Woo voted most trustworthy politician after calmly presiding over recent political turmoil
4 mins
Pro- and anti-Yoon protesters take to streets of Seoul
Demonstrators supporting and opposing South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol held rival protests several hundred meters apart in Seoul on Dec 21, a week after he was impeached.
1 min
Deviant teachings and abuse - a peek into life inside Malaysian cult
Whistle-blower says she was told group sex was religiously acceptable in Islam
5 mins
Thai military probes alleged sex abuse of 18 cadets at academy
The Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTARF) is investigating allegations that a physical therapist at the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School sexually abused 18 students, the RTARF spokesman, Major-General Vithai Laithomya, said on Dec 20.
1 min
Israel's NSO Group found liable for hacking in WhatsApp lawsuit
A US judge ruled on Dec 20 in favor of Meta Platforms' WhatsApp in a lawsuit accusing Israel's NSO Group of exploiting a bug in the messaging app to install spyware allowing unauthorized surveillance.
1 min
US drops $13.6m reward for arrest of Syria's new leader
Move follows its first diplomatic mission to Damascus since early days of civil war
4 mins
16 hurt as Houthi missile hits Tel Aviv
A missile fired from Yemen by Iran-backed Houthi rebels struck Israel's commercial hub of Tel Aviv before dawn on Dec 21, wounding 16 people in the second such attack within days.
3 mins
Israeli air strike kills 7 children from one family: Gaza rescuers
Gaza's civil defence rescue agency reported that an Israeli air strike killed 10 members of a family on Dec 20 in the northern part of the territory, including seven children.
1 min
Ban on drones flying over critical infrastructure in New York
The US Federal Aviation Administration imposed a month-long ban on drones flying over critical infrastructure in New York, a day after announcing the same measure for New Jersey.
1 min
Biden authorises $774m in military aid for Taiwan
The US does not officially recognise Taiwan diplomatically, but it is the self-ruled island's strategic ally and largest supplier of weapons.
1 min
Trudeau may lose power after key ally vows to topple him
Canadian PM also faces calls to step down from his own Liberal legislators
3 mins
Why have so many Canadians turned on their PM?
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada is under intense pressure to step down after the abrupt and acrimonious resignation of a key deputy on Dec 16 highlighted his deep unpopularity after nearly a decade in power.
4 mins
Macron slammed over 'racist' comment on hospital woes
This follows controversy over angry remark he made during visit to cyclone-hit Mayotte
3 mins
Ukraine strike kills 5 in Kursk after Russia claims attack on Kyiv
Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of launching deadly missile strikes, with Moscow saying at least five were killed by such a strike on its Kursk border region after a dawn attack on Ukraine's capital killed one man.
2 mins
Labour Veteran named as British envoy to US
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Dec 20 confirmed the appointment of veteran Labour politician Peter Mandelson, a former minister and European Union trade commissioner, as the next ambassador to the US.
2 mins
Chess-crazy Chennai powers India's phenomenal rise in game
City has produced many of nation's grandmasters, including latest world champion
6 mins
Myanmar rebels say they have taken junta's western military HQ
A rebel army in Myanmar has captured a major military headquarters in the country's west, marking the fall of the junta's second regional command as it faces mounting setbacks against a nationwide armed resistance movement.
1 min
Indian man pleads not guilty to rape and murder of doctor
An Indian man on trial for raping and murdering a 31-year-old doctor has pleaded not guilty, his lawyer said on Dec 21, a crime that appalled the nation and triggered wide-scale protests.
1 min
Indonesians embrace return of treasures plundered by Dutch colonial masters
In the mid-19th century, Dutch colonial officials climbing an Indonesian volcano spotted an ancient statue meant to serve as protection against misfortune, looted it and took it to the Netherlands.
3 mins
7-year-old dies in stabbing attack at Croatia school
A seven-year-old pupil was killed, and several others injured, in a stabbing attack at a school in the Croatian capital Zagreb on Dec 20, with a 19-year-old male suspect arrested, the authorities said.
2 mins
Thousands of Indonesians conned into working for scam syndicates overseas
Lured by offers of better-paying jobs, they are instead forced to carry out online scams
3 mins
2024 wrapped The biggest housing stories of the year and what's next
A new classification for Build-To-Order (BTO) flats, a fourth round of property cooling measures and more financial support for first-time home buyers were among key housing policies rolled out in 2024.
4 mins
'Puff of smoke' in his brain led to stroke, bypass op
Suddenly struggling to write his name was among first signs that something was wrong
4 mins
Thaipusam 2025: Slots for participation available online from Dec 27
Devotees eager to participate in the Thaipusam 2025 festival can make their bookings online from 9am on Dec 27 through the official festival website.
1 min
Police probing case of bicycles parked across road in Queenstown
The police are investigating the circumstances behind three bicycles that were left on a major road in Queenstown to block traffic.
1 min
Spending Xmas Eve in town? Check crowd on digital map
In an advisory on Dec 20, the police encouraged the public to check the Crowd@OrchardRoad map before making their way to the shopping district on Dec 24.
1 min
More than 1,800 people hauled up by police in year-end anti-crime blitz
Of these, 610 arrested for activities including vice, illegal gambling and drink driving
3 mins
In a grim world, hope is that waking dream
What sustains us in a divided, oppressive planet? Perhaps art, thoughtful people and acts of kindness.
5 mins
Bonding with my daughter on a trip to Japan
The writer reflects on how the 10-day journey brought them closer and allowed her to relive her youth.
6 mins
Ask me what I Want for Christmas
We agonise every Christmas over what to give our loved ones. Why not just ask them?
4 mins
Making new friends costs money, but it's worth it
It might seem easier and cheaper to stay home watching Netflix, but you need to get out more to feel less lonely.
3 mins
Making new friends costs money, but it's worth it
It might seem easier and cheaper to stay home watching Netflix, but you need to get out more to feel less lonely.
3 mins
Planning for a joyful Christmas and a prosperous New Year
Festive spending need not tax you too much if you can make your money work for you
6 mins
When a son fought his elderly mother's move to split family assets
He claimed his mum was mentally unfit to sign legal papers despite her doctor saying she was fit
5 mins
The risk of being 'financially abused' by relatives in old age
Cases involving elderly people being conned out of their life savings by relatives, friends and caregivers are likely to increase as more people live longer around the world, a survey has found.
3 mins
Late US star Paul Newman's penthouse is selling at over $13m
The long-time Manhattan home of Hollywood icons Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, a sprawling penthouse at the exclusive 1120 Fifth Avenue housing cooperative that they had used as a pied-à-terre and to entertain fellow movie stars and other prominent guests, is on the market for the first time in four decades.
3 mins
Taking stock of employee share plans
The chance to own a stake in the firm often comes with rules like curbs on cashing out
6 mins
Property investments enabled him to retire early at 51
Living below his means and being prudent helped him build a robust investment portfolio
5 mins
How a ransomware attack caused a British company to go bust
The black-and-white message flickering across computer screens sparked panic at Knights of Old, a 158-year-old British delivery company: \"If you're reading this, it means the internal infrastructure of your company is fully or partially dead.\"
3 mins
Swiatek looks good enough for the last race
Dec 22 South Africa (Kenilworth) form analysis
2 mins
WUNDERBAR TO BOUNCE BACK
After last-start second, trainer Size's rising star sprinter is determined to go one better
2 mins
Underrated Bulls ready to flex muscles against Celtics
The Boston Celtics did not look like themselves during their 117-108 National Basketball Association (NBA) home loss to the Chicago Bulls on Dec 19.
2 mins
Russian skaters can compete in 2026 as neutrals
Russians will be able to qualify for the ice skating competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics as neutral athletes, the sport's governing body said on Dec 20.
1 min
CAVALIERS' SQUAD DEPTH 'GOOD PROBLEM TO HAVE'
All starters in double figures in easy win over 'flat' Bucks, with Strus returning from injury
3 mins
Gatland tasked to change fortunes on the pitch
Warren Gatland will remain as Wales rugby coach for the 2025 Six Nations despite a dire run of results, officials announced on Dec 20.
1 min
'Bridesmaid' Tsunoda faces uncertain future
Yuki Tsunoda will represent experience and continuity at Racing Bulls next season but, passed over for promotion, he looks to be running out of road at the Red Bull-owned Formula One team.
2 mins
WOODS HAS 'LONG WAY' TO RETURN
He commits to family golf event this week but is not physically ready for PGA Tour
2 mins
Pereira looking to map Wolves' future
New Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Vitor Pereira said on Dec 20 that he wants to help the players to regain their confidence with positive results, as the struggling side seek to avoid relegation from the English Premier League.
1 min
SLOT HOPES SPURS WIN A TROPHY
But not the League Cup, in which they are paired, or their next EPL game on Dec 22
2 mins
Managers mindful of tough battlegrounds, fragile tenures
Ange Postecoglou assumed a position of solidarity this week when speaking of the difficulty of being a Premier League manager.
2 mins
VICTORIOUS VILLANS ADD TO CITY MAYHEM
Hosts climb above champions into fifth with 2-1 win, prolonging Guardiola's worst slump
2 mins
United more in control under Amorim: Iraola
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has paid tribute to Ruben Amorim's impact at Manchester United ahead of the Cherries' English Premier League match at Old Trafford on Dec 22.
2 mins
Maresca not worried about unhappy players
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca says Ben Chilwell and Carney Chukwuemeka are likely to be the first players who will want to leave the club due to a lack of game time, as the January transfer window looms.
2 mins
LET'S KEEP MAKING HISTORY'
Ogura urges Lions to build on progress after reaching Asean Championship last 4
3 mins
Bangladesh title 'stepping stone' for Hee and Jin
In only their third competition together, Singapore's mixed doubles pair Terry Hee and Jin Yujia clinched the Bangladesh International Challenge title on Dec 21.
2 mins
Labubu: Gaga over furry doll with a smirk
People seek connections with anthropomorphised products because they can provide a sense of companionship. Research shows that after a rough day, turning to a familiar, smiling character can feel comforting, almost like having a buddy around.
2 mins
Taylor Swift: Turning Singapore into Swiftapore
\"Who's afraid of little old me?\" American pop star Taylor Swift howls on her latest album, The Tortured Poets Department (TTPD).
5 mins
Wee Teng Wen: Launching New Bahru to champion local brands
It was not some glitzy commercial mall with big overseas brands that grabbed headlines in 2024.
3 mins
Pang Gek Teng: Surrey Hills ventures beyond brunch food with 3 new brands
The year 2024 was when Ms Pang Gek Teng achieved what she deems \"the impossible\".
3 mins
Fong Chi Chung: Putien restaurants make dining out more affordable
In a year where diners made themselves scarce - preferring to spend their strong Singapore dollars overseas, and leading restaurant owners and chefs to despair over empty dining rooms - this power lister made a power move that others in the industry are watching closely.
3 mins
Fong Chi Chung: Putien restaurants make dining out more affordable
In a year where diners made themselves scarce - preferring to spend their strong Singapore dollars overseas, and leading restaurant owners and chefs to despair over empty dining rooms - this power lister made a power move that others in the industry are watching closely.
3 mins
Dr Eugene Tan: Holding sway in the art world
The suave Eugene Tan, 52, is a regular on arts power lists—not just in Singapore, but also globally.
4 mins
UOB: Most influential patron in Singapore art scene
UOB's \"day job\" is handling loans, deposits and a wealth of diverse portfolios. But the bank cemented its role as the most influential patron in the Singapore art scene in 2024, investing good chunks of cash in both arts and arts education.
3 mins
Ho Ren Yung: Steering global brand evolution of Banyan Group
Ms Ho Ren Yung, deputy chief executive of Banyan Group, oversaw the company's brand relaunch in a bumper year of 19 openings in 2024. These included Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto in Japan and Angsana Tengchong in China.
4 mins
Japan: Taking centre stage in Singapore and beyond
Scroll through your social media feed this holiday season, and practically everyone you know is in Japan or making plans to vacation there.
3 mins
Tales of love, peace and hope
The Sunday Times invites five authors to pen short stories around the theme of A Christmas Gift
3 mins
Jury-rigged Hotpot
The Japan Home folding table was just big enough to accommodate two.
3 mins
Gift Of The Magi
Let's say you never intended to use Magi. Let's say you know about all the scandals: the accusations of stolen data, the EU lawsuits, the CEO's abhorrent behaviour. Let's say you don't even believe the outlandish social media claims that the app is magical, like actual magic. You know it's not possible it reads your mind, plumbs your soul, knows your heart's desires. You're not so gullible.
1 min
Her Last Gifts
It was exhausting, he sighed. But Carol insisted; her name being what it was and his, she said with a big grin, being Chris. Remember, this is the blessed spirit of the season, to give as we have been given.
3 mins
When You Think About Me
She empties the last drawer and, between stray baubles, there's the cookie tin, the one hunted down from some narrow shop in Liverpool because it didn't ship here.
3 mins
BLACK DAY FOR BRITISH PUBS
At her London pub, landlady Kate Davidson has taken to issuing Guinness ration cards, but the beer still ran out amid a British shortage of Ireland's national drink.
2 mins
The Straits Times Newspaper Description:
Publisher: SPH Media Limited
Category: Newspaper
Language: English
Frequency: Daily
Unlock your access to award-winning journalism on Singapore and the world. With bureaus in major cities around the world, The Straits Times correspondents bring world news to readers on a Singapore platter, helping them appreciate world events from a Singaporean perspective.
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